Essential memphis rap listening

The albums that define memphis rap.

Our picks for where to start with memphis rap — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The memphis rap essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Me vs. Me

NLE Choppa

Me vs. Me

A frenetic blend of Memphis rap and drill, showcasing raw energy with introspective moments woven throughout.

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Cottonwood

NLE Choppa

Cottonwood

An energetic blend of Memphis rap and contemporary trap rhythms that captures youthful bravado and introspective moments.

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Bulletproof

Young Dolph

Bulletproof

A gritty blend of hardened lyrics and melodic hooks set against booming trap beats.

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Underground Vol. 2: Club Memphis

Three 6 Mafia

Underground Vol. 2: Club Memphis

Raw, unfiltered Southern hip-hop brimming with gritty narratives and pulsating beats that ignite the club atmosphere.

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Thinking Out Loud

Young Dolph

Thinking Out Loud

A confident blend of catchy hooks and streetwise storytelling that captures the essence of contemporary Southern hip-hop.

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A Gangsta's Pain

Moneybagg Yo

A Gangsta's Pain

A visceral exploration of pain and resilience set against trap-infused beats and Memphis-style storytelling.

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43va Heartless

Moneybagg Yo

43va Heartless

A potent blend of gritty narratives and catchy hooks layered over hypnotic trap beats.

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The Art of Hustle

Yo Gotti

The Art of Hustle

A gritty exploration of ambition and struggle layered over infectious Southern beats and confident flows.

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I Still Am

Yo Gotti

I Still Am

A hard-hitting blend of trap beats and gritty storytelling that reflects urban life and resilience.

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Live by Yo Rep

Three 6 Mafia

Live by Yo Rep

Raw, aggressive beats intertwine with gritty narratives reflecting the harsh realities of Memphis street life.

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Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin

Project Pat

Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin

A gritty blend of Southern hip-hop and hardcore rap, laden with vivid storytelling and raw energy.

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Real Recognize Real

Project Pat

Real Recognize Real

A gritty blend of Southern hip-hop and hardcore rap laced with menacing beats and raw, authentic narratives.

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Anyways, Life's Great

GloRilla

Anyways, Life's Great

Energetic Southern hip-hop beats intertwine with fierce, unapologetic lyrics that celebrate resilience and ambition.

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Stay Trippy

Juicy J

Stay Trippy

A high-energy blend of trap beats and Southern swagger, punctuated by Juicy J's charismatic flow.

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Hustle Till I Die

Juicy J

Hustle Till I Die

A gritty exploration of street life, layered with Juicy J's signature bravado and hypnotic beats.

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Glorious (GloRilla album)

GloRilla

Glorious (GloRilla album)

A bold and confident blend of Southern hip-hop rhythms infused with unapologetic lyricism reflecting personal experiences.

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Year Round

Lil Wyte

Year Round

A raw, unfiltered dive into Southern street life with gritty beats and unapologetic lyrics.

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B.A.R.

Lil Wyte

B.A.R.

Raw Southern hip-hop blends gritty lyricism with infectious crunk beats, capturing the essence of Memphis street culture.

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Shiesty Season

Pooh Shiesty

Shiesty Season

A relentless barrage of hard-hitting beats and gritty narratives, embodying the raw energy of Southern trap.

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Scale-A-Ton

DJ Paul

Scale-A-Ton

A gritty exploration of nightlife and indulgence wrapped in Memphis rap's signature rawness and rhythmic pulse.

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Come with Me 2 Hell Part 2

DJ Paul

Come with Me 2 Hell Part 2

Raw, gritty beats combine with unapologetic lyrics that capture the intensity of Southern street life.

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Lord of Terror

Lord Infamous

Lord of Terror

A gritty blend of horrorcore and Southern rap, drenched in dark imagery and aggressive flows.

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Yellow Tape

Key Glock

Yellow Tape

A confident blend of hard-hitting beats and laid-back Southern flows that epitomize contemporary Memphis rap.

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The Man, The Myth, The Legacy

Lord Infamous

The Man, The Myth, The Legacy

A gritty exploration of street life, layered with haunting beats and unapologetic lyricism.

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